PALMER, Alaska (WKRC) — A 32-year-old Wasilla woman faces felony charges following a rollover incident involving a side-by-side utility vehicle that resulted in one child's death and three others injured.
According to Alaska State Troopers, the crash occurred on June 18 in the Jim Creek Recreation Area near Palmer. Authorities reported that Hannah Lebel was driving the vehicle with four juveniles aboard when it overturned.
A 10-year-old child was found unresponsive at the scene and later pronounced dead. Three other children sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Troopers noted signs of impairment during their investigation and determined Lebel was intoxicated. Charging documents indicate she admitted to consuming alcohol before the crash and stated she had been driving through water to splash the children.
Witnesses reported hearing a child caution that the vehicle was moving too quickly before it rolled. Investigators confirmed the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, and none of the occupants were wearing seat belts.
Lebel has been charged with criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, assault, and driving under the influence. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.